Culver City artist Vivian Matheson, in her one-woman show, had her first-ever presentation of watercolor art depicting all of the thirteen historical sites in the city.
The show, mounted for one evening, last Sunday at Jay Handal’s San Gennaro, featured the artist’s intricate watercolor scenes depicting this area from the early 1900s through today, as well as a variety of other subjects.
"Having lived in the La Ballona Valley all my life, I’ve always had a sentimentality about this area," Matheson said. And it shows in her art.
Many of Matheson’s watercolors depict well-known places around town such as the Culver Hotel and the Culver Studio.
"This project allowed me to work my art while creating something for the community and future generations," the artist stated.
Matheson, a watercolorist sine 1940, was born in the La Ballona Valley and today lives in Culver City.
She has been the recipient of many art awards, most recently receiving a first place award at Glendale’s Brand Library art show hosted by Woman’s Painters West.

Council Appoints New Community Development Director
By Molly Shore

At the city council meeting of Nov. 8, council members unanimously approved the appointment of Marsha Rood to the position of community development director effective Dec. 13.
Rood, who comes from the city of Pasadena where she headed many of the activities for which Pasadena has received publicity, particularly efforts in Old Town Pasadena and the Theater District, was given a late night welcome by council members.
"Welcome. The city of Culver City residents and business members don’t know yet how lucky they are," said Councilmember Sandra Levin enthusiastically.
Councilman Albert Vera gave a hearty welcome to Rood, adding that he was thankful she accepted the position.
Mayor Richard Marcus thanked Rood for joining the city, saying that they are appreciative of having her services. "We need you and we deserve you, so thank you for being here."
Knowing that they couldn’t possibly top the appreciation and thank-yous heaped on Rood by their colleagues, Councilmembers Ed Wolkowitz and David Hauptman, with uncharacteristic brevity, welcomed her into the fold.
The new director, who will also assume the mantle of Assistant Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency, will work closely with the council (in their role as Redevelopment Agency members) and Chief Administrative Officer Mark Winogrond in the development of the Town Plaza.
Rood’s appointment follows the vacancy created when Winogrond accepted the position of CAO this past July.
"Ms. Rood brings years of experience in all aspects of community development, was the director of the Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association for two terms, and is very active in the International Downtown Association. She will bring an exciting passion and fresh ideas to the many issues Culver City will be facing over the next decade," wrote Winogrond in his report to the council regarding Rood’s appointment.